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10 Best Delay Pedals 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Donner Guitar Delay Pedal for Pedal Boards, Electric Guitar, Yellow Fall Analog Delay Mini Guitar Effect Pedal Vintage Delay, True Bypass

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,481
Delay Time
Feedback
Analog vs. Digital

Most important from
21059 reviews

Delay Time
Flexible delay time and feedback controls allow for a broad range of echo effects, from subtle repeats to more pronounced delays.
Feedback
Flexible delay time and feedback controls allow for a broad range of echo effects, from subtle repeats to more pronounced delays.
Analog vs. Digital
Delivers a warm, natural vintage analog delay sound that's simple to operate and integrates seamlessly into complex pedalboards.
True Bypass
True bypass ensures the guitar's tone remains clean when the pedal is off, preserving the original signal.

The Donner Yellow Fall Analog Delay Pedal offers a warm and natural vintage analog delay sound, which is great if you appreciate classic tones rather than digital clarity. It provides a flexible delay time from 20ms to 620ms, allowing for a range of echo effects, and you can adjust the delay level and feedback to control how many repeats you get. True bypass ensures your guitar's tone stays clean when the pedal is off, and the LED indicator clearly shows when it's active.

Its compact and sturdy aluminum design makes it ideal for crowded pedalboards and regular use. While it does not include modulation features or a tap tempo function, which are common in more advanced delay pedals and can be useful if you want to sync delay timing to your music on the fly, it requires a 9V power supply that you need to provide separately.

This pedal is suited for players who want a straightforward, reliable analog delay effect with good sound quality and easy controls, especially if you are building a simple pedalboard and don't need extra digital features.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,481
Delay Time
Feedback
Analog vs. Digital

Most important from
21059 reviews

Delay Time
Flexible delay time and feedback controls allow for a broad range of echo effects, from subtle repeats to more pronounced delays.
Feedback
Flexible delay time and feedback controls allow for a broad range of echo effects, from subtle repeats to more pronounced delays.
Analog vs. Digital
Delivers a warm, natural vintage analog delay sound that's simple to operate and integrates seamlessly into complex pedalboards.
True Bypass
True bypass ensures the guitar's tone remains clean when the pedal is off, preserving the original signal.
#2

JOYO Digital Delay Effect Pedal with Looper (5 Minutes) R Series 8 Digital Delay Effects for Electric Guitar (Aquarius R-07)

Rating
9.4
Tap Tempo
Analog vs. Digital

Most important from
2814 reviews

Tap Tempo
Tap tempo functionality makes it easy to adjust delay speed on the go, enhancing usability during performances.
Analog vs. Digital
The pedal's 8 different delay effects allow for extensive sound experimentation, from classic digital and analog delays to unique options like 'Low bit' and 'Galaxy.'

The JOYO Digital Delay Effect Pedal with Looper (Aquarius R-07) offers a variety of features that could appeal to both beginners and more experienced guitarists. It includes 8 different digital delay effects, covering styles ranging from classic digital and analog delays to more unique options like 'Low bit' and 'Galaxy.' This range allows for a good amount of versatility in sound experimentation. One standout feature is the looper with a 5-minute recording time, which can be used simultaneously with the delay functions—a useful addition for creating layered sounds during live performances or practice sessions.

The tap tempo function is another practical feature, enabling you to adjust the delay speed easily on the go. The pedal's futuristic and retro design, alongside its ambient lights, adds a visually appealing element that can enhance your playing experience whether you're at home, in the studio, or on stage. However, as it's a digital pedal, it might not perfectly replicate the warmth of true analog delay, which could be a drawback for purists.

Although it is marketed as budget-friendly, it is recommended to use a JOYO original power adapter or another reliable brand to avoid noise issues, which implies an additional purchase. Despite these minor drawbacks, the JOYO Aquarius R-07 is a versatile and feature-rich delay pedal that can elevate your guitar playing with its multiple delay effects and looper capabilities.

Rating
9.4
Tap Tempo
Analog vs. Digital

Most important from
2814 reviews

Tap Tempo
Tap tempo functionality makes it easy to adjust delay speed on the go, enhancing usability during performances.
Analog vs. Digital
The pedal's 8 different delay effects allow for extensive sound experimentation, from classic digital and analog delays to unique options like 'Low bit' and 'Galaxy.'
#3

Strymon TimeLine Multidimensional Delay Pedal

The Strymon TimeLine is a digital delay pedal designed for guitarists who want a broad range of delay sounds and flexible control. It offers 12 distinct delay types, providing plenty of options to shape your sound, from classic echoes to complex, multidimensional effects. One of its standout features is a long 30-second stereo looper, which is great for layering parts during practice or live performance. The pedal supports MIDI In/Out and has an expression pedal input, giving you hands-on control over various parameters like delay time and modulation.

Speaking of modulation, the TimeLine includes this feature to add movement and texture to your delay, which can make your playing more dynamic. It also has stereo inputs and outputs, so you can create wide, immersive sounds. The pedal runs on a 9-volt power supply and uses true analog signal paths to maintain high sound quality, despite being a digital device. However, it is relatively heavy and a bit larger than some other delay pedals, which could be a consideration if you need a compact pedalboard setup.

The price tends to be higher compared to simpler delay pedals, reflecting its advanced features. For those seeking a versatile, high-quality delay pedal with deep control and creative possibilities, the Strymon TimeLine is a strong fit. It suits players who want to experiment with different delay sounds and need reliable performance with tap tempo and extensive modulation options.

Buying Guide for the Best Delay Pedals

When choosing a delay pedal, it's important to consider how you plan to use it in your music. Delay pedals can add depth, texture, and rhythmic complexity to your sound, making them a versatile tool for any guitarist. Understanding the key specifications will help you find the best fit for your needs, whether you're looking for simple echo effects or more complex, modulated delays.
Delay TimeDelay time refers to the length of time between the original sound and the repeated sound. This spec is important because it determines the rhythmic spacing of the echoes. Short delay times (up to 300ms) are great for slapback effects and adding a sense of space without overwhelming the original sound. Medium delay times (300ms to 800ms) are versatile and can be used for rhythmic patterns and ambient textures. Long delay times (over 800ms) are ideal for creating expansive soundscapes and experimental effects. Choose a delay time range that matches the style of music you play and the type of effects you want to achieve.
FeedbackFeedback, also known as repeats or regeneration, controls how many times the delayed signal is repeated. This spec is crucial because it affects the intensity and duration of the delay effect. Low feedback settings (1-3 repeats) are subtle and can add a slight echo to your sound. Medium feedback settings (4-6 repeats) create a more pronounced delay effect, suitable for rhythmic playing and solos. High feedback settings (7 or more repeats) can produce cascading echoes and even self-oscillation for experimental sounds. Consider how prominent you want the delay effect to be in your music when choosing the right feedback level.
ModulationModulation adds movement to the delayed signal by varying the pitch or amplitude. This spec is important for creating lush, chorus-like effects and adding depth to your sound. Some delay pedals offer adjustable modulation parameters, such as rate and depth, allowing you to fine-tune the effect. If you prefer a more straightforward delay sound, you might not need modulation. However, if you enjoy creating rich, textured soundscapes, look for a delay pedal with modulation options.
Tap TempoTap tempo allows you to set the delay time by tapping a footswitch in time with the music. This spec is important for live performances and situations where you need to synchronize the delay effect with the tempo of the song. If you play in a band or frequently change tempos, a delay pedal with tap tempo functionality can be very useful. If you primarily play at home or in a studio setting where precise timing is less critical, you might not need this feature.
Analog vs. DigitalAnalog and digital delay pedals each have their own unique characteristics. Analog delay pedals are known for their warm, natural sound and often have a more limited delay time. Digital delay pedals offer greater flexibility, longer delay times, and a cleaner, more precise sound. If you prefer a vintage, organic tone, an analog delay might be the right choice for you. If you need versatility and pristine sound quality, a digital delay could be a better fit.
True BypassTrue bypass means that when the pedal is turned off, the signal passes through without any alteration. This spec is important for maintaining the integrity of your guitar's tone when the pedal is not in use. If you have a complex pedalboard or are concerned about signal loss, look for a delay pedal with true bypass. If you don't mind a slight alteration in your tone or have a simpler setup, this feature might be less critical.

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